U.S. patent number 4,365,238 [Application Number 06/203,227] was granted by the patent office on 1982-12-21 for visual signalling apparatus.
Invention is credited to Adam Kollin.
United States Patent |
4,365,238 |
Kollin |
December 21, 1982 |
Visual signalling apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for visually signalling hearing impaired persons of
the occurrence of an audible sound producing event. A plurality of
sensing devices are individually located adjacent to a sound
producing device, such as a telephone, doorbell, fire detector,
etc., to sense the audible sounds produced by the activation of
such devices. The output signals from the sensing devices are
arranged in a predetermined priority ranking to enable a more
important event to take precedence over an already occurring less
important event. A sensing device transmits a signal to a central
logic unit indicating the activation of one of the sound producing
devices. The central logic unit identifies which sensing device
sent the signal and transmits a predetermined sequence of output
pulses associated with the particular activated device to a
plurality of control modules. The control modules are each
associated with an illuminating device, such as a light, and turn
the associated light on and off in a predetermined sequence
according to the received output pulses from the central logic unit
to signal the hearing impaired person which sound producing event
has taken place.
Inventors: |
Kollin; Adam (Pontiac, MI) |
Family
ID: |
26724297 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/203,227 |
Filed: |
November 3, 1980 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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46797 |
Jun 8, 1979 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/521; 340/332;
340/519; 340/538.17; 340/815.46; 367/197; 367/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B
5/36 (20130101); H04B 3/54 (20130101); G08B
5/38 (20130101); H04B 2203/5437 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
5/22 (20060101); G08B 5/38 (20060101); G08B
5/36 (20060101); H04B 3/54 (20060101); H04B
003/54 (); G01K 011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/31R,31A,31CP,148,407,538,539,519,521,332,326,825.51
;367/178,197,198,199 ;179/2E,1C,2A,1VC,2C
;455/38,344,352,108,68,228 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"Space Pagers", Omni, May 1979, p. 15..
|
Primary Examiner: Groody; James J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Basile, Weintraub & Hanlon
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 046,797, filed June 8, 1979, now abandoned, in
the name of Adam Kollin and entitled "VISUAL SIGNALLING APPARATUS".
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A visual signalling apparatus for hearing impaired persons
adapted for use in a building having illuminating means, a source
of electrical power and electrical power conductors for supplying
electrical power from said source to said illuminating means, said
visual signalling apparatus comprising:
a plurality of means for sensing audible sounds resulting from the
occurrence of a one of a plurality of predetermined events, each of
said sensing means being associated with a different one of said
predetermined sound producing events, each of said sensing means
producing a distinct first output signal upon sensing said audible
sounds resulting from the occurrence of said associated
predetermined event;
a central logic unit;
means for transmitting said first output signal from said sensing
means to said central logic unit; and
means adapted to be connected to said illuminating means, for
controlling the state of said illuminating means;
said central logic unit including means for receiving said first
output signal from said transmitting means and means for
identifying which of said plurality of sensing means transmitted
said first output signal;
said central logic unit including means for transmitting a distinct
second output signal to said controlling means for each of said
first output signals received from said sensing means, said
distinct second output signal specifying one of a plurality of
predetermined sequences of changes of state, each preassigned to
one of said plurality of predetermined events, of said illuminating
means so as to indicate the occurrence of one of said predetermined
events;
said controlling means changing the state of said illuminating
means according to said predetermined specific sequence in response
to said second output signal from said central logic unit.
2. The visual signalling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the
transmitting means includes a radio frequency transmitter and
wherein the central logic unit includes a radio frequency
receiver.
3. The visual signalling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the
predetermined events include the activation of a fire detection
means, burglar alarm means, telephone, doorbell, alarm clock, a
person's voice and a knock on a door.
4. A visual signalling apparatus for hearing impaired persons
adapted for use in a building having illuminating means, a source
of electrical power and electrical power conductors for supplying
electrical power from said source to said illuminating means, said
visual signalling apparatus comprising:
a plurality of means for sensing audible sounds resulting from the
occurrence of one of a plurality of predetermined events, each of
said sensing means being associated with a different one of said
predetermined sound producing events, each of said sensing means
producing a distinct first output signal upon sensing the audible
sounds resulting from the occurrence of said associated
predetermined event, said first output signals from the sensing
means having a predetermined priority ranking;
a central logic unit;
means for transmitting said first output signals from said sensing
means to said central logic unit; and
means adapted to be connected to said illuminating means, for
controlling the state of said illuminating means;
said central logic unit including means for receiving said first
output signals from said transmitting means and means for
identifying which of said plurality of sensing means transmitted
said first output signal;
said central logic unit including means for transmitting a second
output signal to said controlling means for each of said first
output signal received from said sensing means, said distinct
second output signal specifying one of a plurality of predetermined
sequences of changes of state, each preassigned to one of said
plurality of predetermined events, of said illuminating means so as
to indicate the occurrence of one of said predetermined events;
said controlling means changing the state of said illuminating
means according to said predetermined specific sequence in response
to said second output signal from said central logic unit.
5. The visual signalling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central
logic unit is adapted to be connected to the electrical power
conductors in a house and includes means for transmitting the
second output signal onto said electrical power conductors; and
wherein the controlling means is adapted to be connected to said
electrical power conductors and includes means for receiving said
second output signal from said central logic unit on said
electrical power conductors.
6. The visual signalling apparatus of claim 1 further
including:
a plurality of illuminating means; and
a plurality of controlling means, each associated with one of said
illuminating means and responsive to the second output signal from
the central logic unit, for controlling the changes of state of
said associated illuminating means.
7. The visual signalling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the
controlling means further includes switch means for manually
changing the state of the illuminating means independent from the
second output signal from the central logic unit.
8. A visual signalling apparatus for hearing impaired persons
comprising:
a plurality of means for illuminating various portions of a
building;
a source of electrical power;
electrical power conductors for supplying electrical power from
said source to said illuminating means;
a central logic unit connected to said electrical power
conductors;
a plurality of means for sensing audible sounds resulting from the
occurrence of predetermined events within said building, each of
said sensing means being associated with one of the said
predetermined events, each of said sensing means including
transmitter means for transmitting a distinct first output signal
to said central logic unit upon sensing said audible sounds
associated with the occurrence of said associated predetermined
event;
said central logic unit including receiver means for receiving said
first output signals from said sensing means and means for
identifying which of said sensing means sent said first output
signal; and
a plurality of means, each connected between said electrical power
conductors and one of said illuminating means, for controlling the
changes of state of said illuminating means connected thereto;
said central logic unit further including means for transmitting a
distinct second output signal on said electrical power conductors
to said controlling means, said second output signal providing one
of a plurality of distinct sequences of changes of state of said
illuminating means for each first output signal received from said
sensing means so as to enable said hearing impaired persons to
determine which of said sound producing events is taking place;
said connecting means including means for receiving said second
output signal from said central logic unit on said electrical power
conductors and for changing the state of said illuminating means
connected thereto in accordance with said second output signal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates, in general, to visual signalling apparatus
and, more specifically, to visual signalling apparatus responsive
to audible sound for signalling persons having reduced or totally
impaired hearing capabilities.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Persons having reduced or totally impaired hearing capabilities are
at a distinct disadvantage since they are unable to respond to
audible sounds normally encountered in every day living, such as
those sounds associated with a doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, a
baby's cry, fire and burgular alarms, etc. Not only is this an
inconvenience but, in case of fire alarms, it obviously is
potentially dangerous.
Until this time, there has been little available for those with
moderate to total hearing loss to help fulfill their everyday
needs. Such products that are presently available are single
function devices that utilize a light to alert those with impaired
hearing of the occurrence of some event. For example, it is known
to connect a light to a doorbell in a house to provide a visual
indication of the presence of someone at the door. However, such a
system requires hardwired connections between the sound producing
devices and the light which necessitates additional expense and
time if the wiring is to be concealed or is unattractive and
dangerous if the wiring is left exposed. Further, such hardwired
connections are not usable with certain other devices, such as
telephones or alarm clocks, without the use of special circuitry
and additional components.
It is also known to place a standard microphone next to a sound
producing device, such as a telephone, alarm clock or doorbell, to
pick the audible sounds associated with the activation of such
devices. The signals from the microphone are received by amplifier
and relay circuitry which turns on a light in the home to give a
visual indication to those with impaired hearing. Such systems have
also included timing circuitry to cause the light to flash so as to
attract the attention of persons in the area. Although effective,
this type of system uses hardwired connections and is limited to a
single function, that is, one light is associated with each
particular sound producing device.
Another type of visual signalling system for those with impaired
hearing capability, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,170 and
comprises a plurality of light panel displays which are located in
all of the rooms of a building that might be occupied by deaf
persons. Each light panel includes a plurality of different colored
lights, each activated by an occurrence of a different event, such
as a telephone call, or a knock at the door of the room. A high
intensity strobe light is also included in each light panel which,
when activated by the occurrence of one of the selected events,
flashes at a high rate to attract the attention of the deaf person;
with the status lights providing additional information as to which
has occurred. The strobe light typically flashes once to indicate
the occurrence of a normal event, such as a telephone call and
flashes continuously to indicate an emergency condition, such as a
fire. Although such a visual signalling apparatus is effective to
alert people in a large building, it is apparent that a multitude
of individual light panels are required and extensive wiring is
necessary to connect each panel to a central control unit or to the
individual input devices in each room.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a visual signalling
apparatus for persons with reduced or totally impaired hearing
which provides a distinct visual indication of the occurrence of
one of a plurality of sound producing events and which overcomes
the problems of prior art signalling systems. It would also be
desirable to provide a visual signalling apparatus that may be
easily installed in the house or building occupied by people with
impaired hearing capability. Also, it would be desirable to provide
a visual signalling apparatus which uses conventional house lights
to provide the visual signal. It would also be desirable to provide
a visual signalling apparatus that may be installed without the
need for additional wiring in houses and buildings. Finally, it
would be desirable to provide a visual signalling apparatus that
may be easily changed and moved to fit a person's individual needs
and lifestyle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Herein disclosed is a novel apparatus for visual signalling hearing
impaired persons of the occurrence of an audible sound producing
event. A plurality of sensing devices are individually mounted
adjacent to sound producing devices, such as a telephone, doorbell,
fire detector, etc. The sensing devices transmit a distinct signal
to a central logic unit upon detecting the presence of audible
sounds produced by the particular sound producing device or event
associated therewith. The central logic unit receives the signals
from the sensors and identifies which sensor was activated. The
central logic unit then transmits, preferably through the
electrical power conductors of a house or building, an output
signal which contains distinct information for each different sound
producing device or event specifying the sequence of on and off
flashes of the house lighting so as to signal to the hearing
impaired persons which sound producing event is taking place.
The output signal from the central logic unit is received by
control modules which are preferably plugged into the electrical
outlets in the house or building and into which the house lighting
is plugged. Each control module, in response to the received signal
from the central logic unit, switches the lights connected thereto
on and off in the predetermined sequence or pattern assigned to the
sound producing device or event that is occurring to provide a
distinct visual signal to the hearing impaired person.
The novel visual signalling apparatus of this invention provides a
heretofore unavailable capability to alert hearing impaired people
of the occurrence of sound producing events. The visual signalling
apparatus consists of modular units which provide a distinct visual
indication of the occurrence of one of a plurality of sound
producing events normally encountered in a house or building but,
which previously were not able to be easily and economically
detected by persons having a partial or total hearing loss. The
module units can be simply and quickly installed in a typical house
or building and, furthermore, the apparatus preferably utilizes
existing house wiring and lighting to provide the visual indication
to the hearing impaired person. The sensing units and control
modules are small in size and readily movable so as to enable their
placement in any desired location within the house. Further, the
sensors are programmed in a predetermined priority ranking such
that a more critical or dangerous event, such as a fire, will take
precedence over an already occurring lower ranking event to provide
greater security and a faster indication of the occurrence of the
events to the hearing impaired person.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The various features, advantages and other uses of this invention
will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed
description and drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of the installation of a
visual signalling apparatus constructed according to the teachings
of this invention in a typical house or building;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the visual signalling apparatus shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one of the sensing devices shown
in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams of the central logic unit
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of one of the control modules shown
in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of the various pulse patterns used to
control the sequence of changes of state of the lights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Throughout the following description, identical reference numbers
are used to refer to the same component shown in multiple figures
of the drawing.
Referring now to the drawing, and to FIG. 1 in particular, there is
shown a pictorial representation of the installation of a visual
signalling apparatus constructed according to the teachings of this
invention in a typical house or building. In general, the visual
signalling apparatus of this invention comprises a plurality of
sensing means, such as sensor modules 10 and 12, which are
individually mounted adjacent to a specific sound producing device,
such as a doorbell 14 or a telephone 16. For simplicity, only two
sensor modules 10 and 12 are illustrated and described herein; it
being understood that additional sensor modules may be utilized to
sense the sounds produced by other sound producing devices or
events, such as fire detection means, a baby's cry, a burgular
alarm or a knock on a door. Each sensor module, such as sensor
module 10, includes a sensitivity control, as described hereafter,
so as to enable the range of audible sounds detected to be set for
a particular sound producing device. In this manner, each sensor
module detects only the sounds produced by its associated sound
producing device. Upon receiving an audible sound within the
selected range, the sensor modules 10 and 12 transmit a signal to a
central logic unit 18.
The central logic unit 18 includes a receiver section which
receives the signal and identifies which sensor was activated. The
central logic unit 18 then transmits a unique output signal
comprising a distinct series of pulses assigned to the activated
sensor and sound producing device or event through the electrical
power conductors 20 and 22 of the house to a plurality of control
modules, such as control modules 24 and 26. The control modules 24
and 26 are plugged into conventional electric outlets 28 and 30,
respectively, so as to be connected to the house power conductors
20 and 22. The control modules receive the output signal from the
central logic unit 18 and switch an illuminating means, such as a
conventional house lamp, shown symbolically at reference numbers 32
and 34, on and off according to the series of pulses received from
the central logic unit 18. In this manner the flashing pattern of
the lights 32 and 34 provides a visual indication to a person
having impaired hearing capability which of the sound producing
events is occurring.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, there is shown block and detailed
schematic diagrams of the various components forming the visual
signalling apparatus of this invention. As shown in FIG. 2, and in
greater detail in FIG. 3, the sensing means, such as sensor modules
10 and 12, comprises a conventional microphone MK which receives
audio signals from the sound producing devices next to which the
sensor module is mounted. The audio signals picked up by the
microphone MK are input to a transmitter control circuit 36 which
causes a transmitter 38 to generate a predetermined radio frequency
signal. As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter control circuit 36
includes a first transistor Q10 which amplifies the input signal
received from the microphone MK. The amplified signal from
transistor Q10 is input to a detector transistor Q11 which includes
a suitable sensitivity control comprising an adjustable
potentiometer R30 which adjusts the range of amplitudes at which
the detector transistor Q11 will be triggered. Upon receiving a
signal within the selected range, transistor Q11 causes transistor
Q12 to generate a pulse output. The output of transistor Q12 is
connected through an RC network formed of resistors R31 and R32 and
a capacitor C30 to a transistor Q13. The capacitors C30 integrates
the audio output from transistor Q12 to provide a DC signal to
switch transistor Q13 to a conducting state when the preselected
audio input is received by the sensor modules.
As shown in FIG. 3 the sensor module includes a multiposition
selector switch which enables the sensor to be turned off or to be
manually tested. In addition, the sensor may be set to detect
either short or long duration sounds thereby further improving the
selectivity of the range of signals that will activate the sensor
module. When the selector switch is set to the long position, the
input signal to the sensor module must be present for a
predetermined period of time before the sensor will be activated.
When the selector switch is moved to the short position, resistor
R13 is connected to the RC network and causes shorter duration
input signals, such as those associated with a knock on the door,
to be detected. In normal operation, the selector switch in each
sensor module is set to either the short or long position depending
on the particular sound producing device or event associated with
the sensor.
As noted above, any conventional microphone may be used to practice
this invention. In use, a microphone having a wide frequency
response range has been described above. The amplification
circuitry described above is responsive only to sound detected by
the microphone which have a predetermined duration and intensity,
i.e., the magnitude of the sound pressure wave produced by the
particular event or device. The microphone is placed next to a
predetermined sound producing event or device, such as a telephone,
doorbell or smoke detector. Its sensitivity is adjusted so as to
correspond with the particular sound intensity produced by the
activation of the selected event or device. In addition, the long
or short duration circuitry is also adjusted to correspond to the
particular event. In this manner, the microphone and associated
circuitry forms a means for sensing the audible sounds resulting
from the occurrence of one of a plurality of predetermined events
to the exclusion of the occurrence of other predetermined events
which produce sound waves having different sound intensity and
duration.
It will also be understood that any other type of microphone and
amplication circuitry may be utilized in practicing this invention
to detect the audible sounds produced by the occurrence of one of a
plurality of predetermined events. Thus, a microphone which is
responsive only to a particular narrow band of audible sound
frequencies may be used to detect the occurrence of one of the
predetermined events. The above-described microphone and
amplification circuitry is provided by way of example, and not
limitation, to clarify and present a clearer understanding of the
present invention.
Upon receiving an audio input in the selected range, as described
above, the transmitter control circuit 36 of the sensor modules
will generate an output pulse through transistor Q13 to a
convention transmitter 38. According to the preferred embodiment of
this invention, the transmitter 38 is a transmitter sold by Linear
Corporation, Englewood, California, model number D29. The
transmitter 38 includes eight switches 40 which provide the
capability of 256 distinct codes or addresses for each sensor
module. According to the preferred embodiment of this invention,
six of the eight switches 40 in each sensor utilized in a
particular house are set to the same code or pattern to distinguish
the sensors associated with one house from those that may be
utilized in adjacent buildings. The two remaining switches are set
to one of four distinct codes thereby generating in conjunction
with the other six switches an eight bit digital address
identifying one of four sensors.
The switches 40 causes a high frequency carrier signal 305 MHz in
this invention, to be switched on and off according to the state of
the switches to generate digital pulses identifying the particular
sensor. The transmitter 38 transmits the eight bit amplified
modulated digital pulse burst approximately ten times during each
half second. The transmitter 38 also includes timer circuitry which
repeats the eight pulse bursts at one half second intervals during
every thirty second period as long as the audio input is
present.
Although radio frequency transmitters and receivers are shown and
preferred, hard wired connections and suitable circuit changes to
link the sensors and the central logic unit are also useable within
the scope of the teachings of this invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6, there is shown the detailed
circuitry of the central logic unit 18. The central logic unit 18
is connected to a conventional electrical outlet as shown in FIG.
1, so as to receive power from a suitable electric source 100
through house conductors 20 and 22 and wires 20A and 22A. This
power is input into a first transformer D1, shown in FIG. 5 and a
second transformer D2, which through voltage regulator 102 provides
the necessary low level 12 volt signal to the electronic components
in the central logic unit 18. The central logic unit 18 also
includes a suitable receiver 50 for detecting the output signals
transmitted from each sensor module, such as sensors 10 and 12. The
receiver 50 may be of standard construction, such as one sold
commercially by Linear Corporation, model no. DC4. Preferably, the
receiver 50 is a four channel digital receiver capable of receiving
and identifying output signals from four sensor modules.
Accordingly, the receiver 50 includes four sets of eight switches,
each set to the particular code programmed into the switches 40 in
one of the sensor modules utilized within a house.
In operation, the receiver 50 receives signals from one of the four
sensor modules and energizes one of four output lines depending
upon which sensor module is activated. The output from the receiver
50 is input to logic circuitry 52 which identifies which sensor has
been activated. Although the visual signalling apparatus of this
invention is described as utilizing four sensors, additional
sensors associated with identical sound producing devices, such as
several fire detectors or telephones, may be connected in parallel
so as to provide an output signal to the receiver section 50 of the
central logic unit 18 upon the activation of any one of the
identical sound producing devices or events.
In addition to the four remote sensors, the central logic unit 18
includes an internal sensor 13, FIG. 1, to detect sounds produced
by a device located adjacent to the central logic unit 18. These
sounds are detected by a microphone MK1, as shown in FIG. 6. The
audio signals detected by the microphone MK1 are amplified by
transistor Q4 and detected by transistor Q3 whose detection range
is set by an adjustable potentiometer R12. When an appropriate
input signal has been detected by transistor Q3 transistor Q2 is
switched to a conductive state thereby transmitting a signal on
control line 60 to the timer circuitry shown in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the four outputs from the receiver 50 and the
output from the internal microphone MK1 on control line 60 are each
input to timers 62. Each timer 62 includes a suitably selected
resistor and capacitor such as resistor R1 and capacitor C1 for
timer T1, which determines the time period of each timer 62.
According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
resistor and capacitor are chosen to provide a thirty second time
period such that the output from each timer 62 will be present for
thirty seconds even though the input from the receiver 50 has been
deactivated after one half second. If the detected audio signal is
still present after the initial thirty second time period has
expired, the receiver 50 will generate another input pulse thereby
re-energizing the associated timer 62.
According to the preferred embodiment of this invention the outputs
from the various sensors are arranged in a predetermined priority
ranking such that a more critical event, such as a fire, will take
precedence over a lower ranking, already occurring event, such as a
telephone. Accordingly, the sensor adjacent to a fire detector is
associated through the receiver 50 with timer T1, a telephone
sensor is associated with timer T3. The sensor to detect a baby's
cry is associated with timer T4 and the internal sensor 13 in the
central logic unit 18 is connected to timer T5. Although the above
priority ranking is preferred, it may be easily altered by simply
changing the sensor programmed for a fire detector to another
location adjacent to a different sound producing device, such as a
telephone or doorbell.
The inverted and non-inverted outputs Q and Q, respectively, from
the timers 62 are connected, as shown in FIG. 4, to NOR gates 64,
68 and 70 to provide the desired priority ranking. The outputs of
the NOR gates 64, 66, 68 and 70 are input to NOR gate 72; the
output of which is connected to the inhibit input of a decade
counter 74. During normal operation, when no sound producing device
is activated, the output of the NOR gate 72 will be at a high logic
level thereby inhibiting the output of the decade counter 74. When
one of the predetermined sound producing events takes place, the
output of NOR gate 72 will drop to a low logic level thereby
momentarily resetting the decade counter to zero and starting the
counting sequence of the counter 74.
Clock pulses are input to the decade counter 74 from a
multivibrator 76 which includes suitable circuitry to provide
pulses at the rate of three per second. Thus when activated, the
output from the decade counter 74 will change state at the rate of
three times per second.
According to the teachings of this invention, the visual signalling
device system flashes the lights in the house, as described
hereafter, in a distinct pattern for each different sound producing
event that takes place in the house so as to enable the person
having impaired hearing capabilities to identify quickly and easily
which of the sound producing events is taking place. The flashing
codes are generated by suitable switching circuitry in conjunction
with the output pulses from the multivibrator and the decade
counter 74.
In describing the various flashing codes, the terms, "short" and
"long" pulses or periods are used. These terms refer to the period
of the output signals from the multivibrator 76. As noted
previously, the output of the multivibrator 76 is a squarewave
which alternately pulses between high and low voltage levels. One
period of the multivibrator 76 output comprises one high and one
low voltage level transition. The term "short" thus refers to a
pulse having a pulse width equal to one-half of the period of the
multivibrator 76 output or one of the high or low voltage level
states. The term "long" refers to a pulse having a pulse width
equal to one entire period of the multivibrator 76 output
signal.
In order to distinguish which sound producing event has taken
place, different codes or patterns of light flashes are assigned to
each different sound producing device or event in the house. Thus,
when the sensor associated with a fire detector is activated by the
production of audible sounds by the fire detector, the central
logic unit 18, through the decade counter 74, multivibrator 76 and
NOR gate 80, provides a predetermined series of pulses at the
outputs of the NOR gate 80, as shown in FIG. 8, which will include
one short high voltage level pulse, one short low voltage level
pulse, which are repeated continuously. The detection of the
ringing of a telephone will produce four short on and four short
off alternating pulses followed by six long off pulses. A doorbell
ring or knock is indicated by four long on and six long off
alternating pulses. When a person's voice, such as a baby's cry,
has been detected, a pulse train comprising one short one and one
short off, five long on and four long off alternating pulses is
generated. Finally, the detection of audible sounds by the internal
sensor 13 of the central logic unit 18 will be indicated by two
short on, two short off, two long off, two short on, two short off
and four long off alternating pulses.
It should be noted that the above-described pulse patterns are
described with respect to one ten pulse output from the
multivibrator 76. As noted previously, the timers 62 produce an
output for thirty seconds upon activation. Thus, the
above-described pulse patterns are repeated for thirty seconds at
the rate of three pulses per second.
These flashing codes are generated by the switching circuitry shown
in FIG. 4 which provides inputs to NAND gate 78. In general, the
output of the decade counter 74 and the output of the multivibrator
76 are grouped together as shown in FIG. 4, as inputs to NAND gates
80, 82, 84, 86 and 88, the output of which are inputs to NAND gate
78. Thus, upon the occurrence of one of the predetermined sound
producing events, the output of the NAND gates 80, 82, 84, 86 and
88 will change states in accordance with the input signals thereto
which will cause the output of NAND gate 78 to follow the series of
pulses generated by the one of the NAND gates 80, 82, 84, 86 and
88.
The output of NAND gate 78 is connected by a control line 90 to
transistor Q1, FIG. 5. Thus, transistor Q1 switches between
conductive states in accordance with the changes in the output of
NAND gate 78 as described above. When transistor Q1 is switched to
the conductive state, relay K1 is energized. Relay K1 has
associated therewith a contact which controls the connection of
power to a light 92 which is plugged into the central unit 18. In
addition, the output of transistor Q1 is input to a circuit
comprising transistors Q8 and Q9 which control the activation of a
conventional vibrator device 94 which is connected to a bed. The
transistor Q8 will switch between conductive and nonconductive
states in accordance with the output of transistor Q1. Capacitor
C11 integrates the output of transistor Q8 and provides a
continuous DC input to transistor Q9 whenever a flashing sequence
is present. Transistor Q9, when switched to the conductive state,
energizes relay K2 which, through its associated contact, connects
power to the vibrator causing its energization. Since vibrators are
typically motor driven devices, they cannot be made to switch on
and off at the same rate as lights can be made to flash. Thus, the
vibrator 94 is held on continuously whenever a sound producing
event is detected so as to wake up the person sleeping in the bed.
The lights then provide the desired visual indication of which
sound producing event has taken place.
The various pulse sequences, present at the output of transistor Q1
which is connected as an input to NOR gate 96 in FIG. 5, control
the operation of a transmitter circuit, shown generally by
reference number 54 in FIG. 5. Also input to NOR gate 96 on control
line 110 is an input from a switch S2, shown in FIG. 6. The switch
S2 is located on the front of the central logic unit 18, as shown
in FIG. 1, and provides the means for inhibiting the remote control
units such that only the light 92 connected to the central logic
unit 18 will flash when a sound producing event has been detected.
With switch S2 in the position shown in FIG. 6, a low level signal
will be input on control line 110 to NOR gate 96, FIG. 5, thereby
permitting the transmitter 54 to switch or follow the state of
transistor Q1, as described above. When the switch S2 is changed to
its other position, a high level signal is input on control line 10
to NOR gate 96 which holds the output of NOR gate 96 at a low level
thereby inhibiting generation of the carrier signal from the
transmitter circuit 54. In addition, an indicating light L2 which
is mounted on the front of the central logic unit 18 is energized,
thereby providing an indication that the remote control unit has
been de-activated.
The central control unit 18 includes another switch, labelled S1,
which is also mounted on the face of the control unit 18 and
provides a means for disabling selected ones of the remote sensors,
such as those associated with a telephone, doorbell or a door
knock. In this manner, a person when desiring to take a nap can
de-activate those sensors that would normally interrupt his sleep.
With the switch S1 in the position shown in FIG. 6, a low level
signal is input to NOR gate 112, the output of which, on control
line 114, will be at a high logic level. Control line 114 is
connected to the clear inputs of timers T2 and T3, shown in FIG. 4,
which are associated with the telephone and the doorbell or door
knock sensors, respectively. Thus, with switch S1 in the position
shown, timers T2 and T3 are activated so as to respond to inputs
from the sensors associated with the telephone or doorbell. When
the switch S1 is changed to its other position, a high level signal
is input to NOR gate 112 which holds the output of NOR gate 112 at
a low logic level thereby inhibiting timers T2 and T3 from
operation even if an input signal is received from the sensors. In
addition, indicating light L1 will be activated so as to indicate
that two of the remote sensors have been de-activated.
As shown in FIG. 5, and described above, the output of transistor
Q1 switches between conductive and nonconductive states in
accordance with the sequence of pulses generated by the circuitry
shown in FIG. 4. The output of transistor Q1 is connected as an
input along with the state of switch S2, to NOR gate 96. The output
of NOR gate 96 is connected to the base terminal of transistor Q5
and controls the switching or transistor Q5 between conductive and
nonconductive states. Thus, the output of NOR gate 96 will switch
or follow the state of the pulse sequences thereby causing
transistor Q5 to similarly switch between conductive and
nonconductive states. Transistor Q5 controls the activation of a
transmitter circuit 54 comprising a crystal oscillator Y1 and a
transistor Q6, which produces a carrier signal at a frequency of
196 KHz whenever transistor Q5 is conducting. Transistor Q7
amplifies the output of transistor Q6 and thereby places the
carrier signal which is switched on and off in accordance with the
predetermined pulse sequence onto the power conductors 20 and 22 of
the house via transformer D1. Although utilization of house wiring
is preferred and is the least expensive mode of installation, it is
also possible to hard wire the central logic unit 18 to the control
modules or to utilize radio frequency transmitters and receivers
even though such alternate methods are more expensive than the
preferred use of existing house wiring.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in greater detail in FIG. 7, the
output from the transmitter section 54 of the central logic unit 18
is conducted via existing house power conductors 20 and 22 to a
plurality of control modules, such as control modules 24 and 26.
According to this invention, the control modules are of two basic
types. The first version, illustrated by control module 24 in FIG.
1, includes means for plugging into a conventional electric outlet
28. An illuminating means, such as a light 32 is, in turn, plugged
into the control module 24. With this version, the light 32 may be
used only for signalling the occurrence of one of the predetermined
sound producing events. The other version of the control module, as
shown by control module 26 in FIG. 1, is also plugged into a
conventional electrical outlet 30 and has an illuminating means,
such as light 34, plugged into it. However, the control module 26
includes an on-off switch which enables the light 34 to be used for
normal purposes; that is, the light 34 may be turned on and off as
desired to provide lighting for the surrounding area. When the the
light 34 is used in this manner, the flashing code that will be
generated will be the reverse of that described above when the
light 34 is already on for general lighting purposes.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the detailed circuitry of
one of the control modules 24 or 26. The control module is plugged
into a standard electrical outlet and receives power on electrical
power conductors 20 and 22. Also the control module receives the
carrier signal which comprises a plurality of pulses depicting the
desired flashing code via the power conductors 20 and 22. This
carrier signal is received and demodulated by conventional receiver
circuitry shown in FIG. 7.
Thus, in operation, an audible sound from one of a plurality of
sound producing devices, such as a telephone, a doorbell, fire
detector, etc., will be detected by a sensor which has it
sensitivity adjusted so as to detect only the particular range of
audio signals produced by the sound producing device located
adjacent thereto. The sensor, upon sensing the appropriate audio
signals transmits a unique signal to central logic unit 18.
Receiver circuitry within the central logic unit 18 receives the
signals from the sensor modules and identifies which sensor module
has been activated. Control circuitry within the central logic unit
18 generates a predetermined pattern or series of pulses which have
been preassigned to indicate the occurrence of a particular sound
producing device or event. This series of pulses is transmitted,
preferably over existing house power conductors, to a plurality of
control modules which are plugged into conventional outlets in the
house. Illumination devices, such as lights, which are plugged into
each control module, are controlled by the control module and will
switch between on and off states in the predetermined pattern so as
to indicate to persons having impaired hearing capability which one
of a plurality of sound producing events is occurring within the
house.
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